Los Angeles Angels Acquire Cameron Maybin, Fantasy Impact

By Bill Pivetz | Nov 4, 2016

Sep 25, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Cameron Maybin (4) reacts after striking out in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Kansas City won 12-9. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Angels made the first move of the offseason by trading for outfielder Cameron Maybin. He will be the starting left fielder. What is his fantasy value?

The Los Angeles Angels had a void to fill as they prepare for next season. With Mike Trout in center and Kole Calhoun in right, left field needed some help. The Angels front office quickly remedied that by trading for veteran Cameron Maybin late Thursday night. What is the fantasy value for the soon-to-be 30-year-old?

After years in the National League, Maybin found his way back to the Detroit Tigers, the team he started with back in 2007. Despite playing only 95 games, he had a bit of a resurgence. He hit .315 with 65 runs scored, four home runs, and 43 RBI. He also stole 15 bases and had a 69:36 K:BB ratio.

Maybin dealt with a fractured wrist and a sprained thumb cost him about 60 games. He’s played in over 140 games only twice in his career. The Angels are taking a bit of a risk with this trade, but if he can stay healthy, it could work out for both sides.

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While he primarily played in center for the Tigers, Maybin will have to transition to left. He hasn’t played there since his rookie season.

He’s a professional, so I don’t think he’ll have a problem moving over to left. It could also provide a boost in his defensive metrics.

Maybin spent most of his active season as the Tigers No. 2 hitter. Calhoun spent the most time of all Anges hitters in the No. 2 spot. Trout was second with 33 games.

The lineup could easily be moved around to accommodate Maybin. Yunel Escobar stays as the leadoff hitter. Maybin No. 2, and everyone moves back a spot. That does effect Trout’s value a bit as he will lose some at bats, but with a better batter in front of him, it will help in the long run.

The Angels used nine different players in left field, two more than any other position. Adding Maybin gives the team a consistent option, again, as long as he can stay healthy.

Next: Will Jason Kipnis' Power Continue in 2017?

Maybin joins a better offensive team, which will improve his fantasy value. I have him ranked just inside my top 250 players. That makes him borderline draftable in standard leagues.

With his new team, I project 125 games played, .285 average with three home runs, 50 RBI, 66 runs scored and 12 steals.

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